Podcast Summary: All Of It – "Ikura of J-Pop Band YOASOBI Performs Live"
Episode Overview All Of It, hosted by Alison Stewart on WNYC, delves into contemporary culture by engaging with creators and influencers. In the March 19, 2025 episode titled "Ikura of J-Pop Band YOASOBI Performs Live," Stewart interviews Ikura, the vocalist of the acclaimed J-Pop duo YOASOBI. The episode offers an intimate look into YOASOBI’s creative process, their rise to international fame, and Ikura’s personal artistic endeavors. The conversation is facilitated through a translator, Miyoki Watanabe, allowing Ikura to share her insights in Japanese with simultaneous English translation.
Introduction to YOASOBI and Ikura
Alison Stewart opens the episode by highlighting YOASOBI's monumental success in the J-Pop scene. The duo has not only dominated Billboard Japan's Hot 100 charts but also achieved a milestone with the first Japanese-language song to top Billboard's global charts. YOASOBI's global presence includes performances at renowned festivals like Lollapalooza and Coachella, and a sold-out show at Radio City Music Hall in New York.
Notable Quote:
"YOASOBI has broken records on Billboard Japan's Hot 100 charts and claimed the first Japanese language song to top Billboard's global charts." — Alison Stewart [00:46]
The Creative Genesis of YOASOBI
The conversation begins with the release and success of YOASOBI's first single, "Into the Night," which unexpectedly soared to number one in Japan. Ikura reflects on this surreal achievement, expressing her astonishment at the sudden fame.
Notable Quote:
"We didn’t expect the first song to be such a big hit. It felt so unreal." — Ikura [07:44]
Stewart inquires about the formation of YOASOBI, revealing that the duo originated from a Sony Music project aimed at transforming novels into music. This unique concept brought together Ayase, the composer, and Ikura, the vocalist, establishing the foundation of YOASOBI.
Notable Quote:
"The manager came up with the idea of turning novels into music, and that’s how we met." — Ikura [08:12]
Collaboration Dynamics Between Ayase and Ikura
The episode delves into the collaborative process between Ayase and Ikura. Ayase begins by reading the original story and crafting the music and lyrics, which he then presents to Ikura. Ikura’s role involves infusing her interpretations and emotions into the song, ensuring that the music resonates with the narrative.
Notable Quote:
"Ayase reads the story and then creates the music and lyrics, and I put my feelings into the song. We work together from that point." — Ikura [08:45]
Ikura’s Artistic Contributions
Ikura elaborates on her creative input, emphasizing her deep engagement with the original stories and her ability to convey the emotions of the characters through her vocal performances. Her interpretation bridges the gap between the written narrative and the musical composition, adding depth and authenticity to YOASOBI’s music.
Notable Quote:
"I read the original stories and immerse myself in the feelings and world of the characters, then bring that into the song." — Ikura [09:15]
Balancing Solo and Group Projects
The discussion shifts to Ikura’s solo endeavors alongside her work with YOASOBI. She highlights the distinction between the two, noting that her solo album is a personal exploration based on her own experiences, whereas YOASOBI’s work is rooted in the narratives of the original stories. This balance allows her to express both her individuality and her collaborative creativity.
Notable Quote:
"For my solo album, it’s my personal experiences at the core, whereas with YOASOBI, I channel the personalities of the main characters from the stories." — Ikura [10:00]
Acoustic Performance Insights
Ikura performs an acoustic version of YOASOBI’s song "Into the Night," providing listeners with a raw and intimate rendition. She discusses the differences between studio recordings and live performances, explaining that live settings allow her to incorporate more spontaneous emotions and audience interactions.
Notable Quote:
"In acoustic and live settings, I incorporate more of my feelings and the audience's reactions." — Ikura [16:36]
Recording in Japanese vs. English
The episode explores YOASOBI’s foray into recording songs in English. Ikura explains the challenges and nuances of translating lyrics while maintaining the original's essence and mood. She appreciates the translator’s efforts in capturing both the worldview and the phonetic qualities of the Japanese lyrics, though she notes that the English versions often feel faster and more uptempo due to pronunciation differences.
Notable Quote:
"English versions feel so much faster and more uptempo because of the fundamental differences in pronunciation." — Ikura [17:12]
Ikura’s Musical Background and Influences
Ikura shares her early exposure to music, influenced by her father, an acoustic guitarist, and her experiences living in Chicago. Her fascination with music was further fueled by Disney Channel shows like High School Musical and the works of American artists, with Taylor Swift being a significant influence.
Notable Quote:
"I was always surrounded by music. My father played the guitar, and I got hooked on music through Disney Channel shows and artists like Taylor Swift." — Ikura [18:47]
Cultural Differences in Audiences
Discussing her international performances, Ikura contrasts American and Japanese audiences. She observes that American audiences are more expressive and interactive, often dancing and singing along enthusiastically during performances, which adds a dynamic element to her stage experience.
Notable Quote:
"American audiences are very expressive, dancing to the music and singing along, which is great to see from the stage." — Ikura [19:39]
Final Performance and Conclusion
The episode concludes with Ikura performing another song, showcasing her versatility and the acoustic charm of YOASOBI’s music. Stewart thanks Ikura and the translator, Miyoki Watanabe, for their participation, and wraps up the episode by highlighting the collaborative spirit that fuels YOASOBI’s success.
Notable Quote:
"That was Ikura of the J-Pop duo YOASOBI performing 'Blue'. Our translator was Miyoki Watanabe." — Alison Stewart [25:09]
Closing Remarks This episode of All Of It offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of YOASOBI’s artistry through the lens of Ikura. Listeners gain valuable insights into the duo’s creative process, the balance between solo and collaborative projects, and the cultural exchange inherent in their international success. Through thoughtful questions and heartfelt responses, Alison Stewart and Ikura paint a vivid picture of what makes YOASOBI a standout force in contemporary music.